Church Activities

Winnipeg St. John Brebeuf Council 1107 Winnipeg, Manitoba Keep Christ in Christmas

Council 1107 reminds Canadians of the true meaning of Christmas by annually entering a float in Winnipeg's popular Santa Claus Parade. Viewed by more than 70,000 spectators, as well as the hundreds of thousands who watch via a national livestream, the parade is one of the council's most effective ways of spreading the message of the birth of Christ.

This initiative has been in place for five years, each time involving the design and construction of a new float.

The council always welcomes the involvement of the parish community. One parishioner donates the main body of the float, and a council member opens his farm's heated shop for hundreds of hours of construction time. During this period, 20-30 Knights from local councils and assemblies, in addition to families of all ages, work alongside senior Fourth Degree Knights and others. Hot meals, desserts and snacks are provided by the council for the busy construction crews.

This year, the float was led by the district's master of the Fourth Degree along with a contingent of 35 Sir Knights dressed in full regalia. Joined by the Manitoba state deputy, immediate past state deputy and state treasurer, the Sir Knights led an illuminated Nativity in procession, accompanied by volunteers dressed as angels, the Three Wise Men, shepherds and farm animals. Every person who participated was invited to a post-parade party and given “Keep Christ in Christmas” tees, pins and hats.

In 2016, the council's float won the “WOW Award” for best float in the parade.